NJ Officer Admits Excessive Use Of Force In Two Arrests

PATERSON, NJ — A Wayne resident working as a Paterson police officer has pleaded guilty to federal charges of using excessive force during two separate arrests, officials announced.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced that 32-year-old Kevin Patino pleaded guilty to two counts of violating an individual’s civil rights, in relation to incidents in late 2020 where he struck people who did not pose a danger to him or other officers.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a max fine of $100,000. His sentencing is scheduled for July 23.

"Patino agreed that in each instance his repeated use of force against each victim was unreasonable and excessive, in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution," Sellinger said on Feb. 8.

According to court documents and records, Patino responded to a call for backup from another officer, who was trying to disperse a crowd on Main Street. Another officer was having a verbal exchange with a person, and Patino told the person to move away from the officer.

The person initially refused to do so and Patino pushed them, before they walked away from the officers. Officials said Patino also started to walk away, but then returned to confront the victim and pushed them into the ground. Another officer had to intervene while Patino was striking the victim on the ground, Sellinger said.

On Dec. 14, Paterson police received a call about a "suspicious person" on Madison Avenue. Patino and another officer showed up and spoke to a suspect, according to authorities. Federal authorities didn't name the other officer in the news release, but they previously identified them as Kendry Tineo-Restituyo.

Meanwhile, the victim went into a local convenience store on his way to work. He left the store and walked toward where the Paterson officers' unmarked vehicle was parked, according to the indictment.

The officers returned to their vehicle after interacting with the suspect, authorities said. Tineo-Restituyo rolled down the driver's side window and repeatedly asked the victim, "What did you say?" according to officials.

The victim stated he hadn't said anything and kept walking. Then the officers made a sharp left turn toward him and parked the vehicle, the indictment says.

Patino grabbed the victim, according to court documents. When the victim tried to separate himself, Patino struck his face and body several times, authorities said.

During the altercation, Tineo-Restituyo picked the victim up and threw him to the ground, authorities said. Both officers repeatedly struck him while he was on the ground, according to federal officials.

Tineo-Restituyo was also charged by complaint in the case, and his lawyer told northjersey.com he plans to go to trial.